A SOUTHPORT man who lied about his age when he was caught using a mobile phone while driving has been fined.

John Fitzpatrick, 55, of Kempton Park Fold, Kew, was spotted by a police officer with a mobile phone to his ear as he drove along Southport Road on March 24.

But, as well as being fined £60 for using a phone while driving, Mr Fitzpatrick was also fined £60 for driving without a license - he had previously been disqualified and had never applied for his license to be returned - and an extra £60 for police obstruction after he gave a false date of birth.

He will pay a total of £255 due to having to pay a victim’s surcharge of £15 on top of the three fines, and have three penalty points put on his license.

Mr Fitzpatrick admitted all three charges in Ormskirk Magistrates’ Court, with his solicitor saying his client was “at a loss” as to why he lied about his age.

Andrew Scott said: “My client has been silly.

“He had no driving license because he had previously been disqualified and had never applied for his license to be returned.

“He accepts he picked his phone up, but it was a missed call, which he showed to the officer.

“He gave his correct name and address, but just gave the wrong date of birth.”